New Mexico Railroad Days Brings Santa Fe Locomotive 2926 To The Albuquerque Rail Yards

From Trains Magazine

Santa Fe No. 2926 will be under steam to attend New Mexico Railroad Days at Albuquerque’s downtown Rail Yards – a former ATSF facility with sections redeveloped for venue purposes, and future home for the restored 4-8-4. Organized by the locomotive’s owner, the New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society (DBA New Mexico Heritage Rail), the free event is scheduled on Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“These events help draw people to areas they may not have been to before and to gain new experiences,” said John Roberts, president of the non-profit organization. “We plan events like this to bring public awareness to our project and our goals, educate the visitors about the history of locomotives, stimulate interest in railroad history, and encourage becoming a volunteer member to help support the current and future needs of the organization.”

According to the press release, the 4-8-4 will depart on Sept. 30 at 8 a.m. from its restoration site on 8th Street for the ferry move to 1st St., along New Mexico Rail Runner Express’ Albuquerque Subdivision – Sawmill Spur. The locomotive will then traverse the ex-ATSF Transcontinental main line for the first time since 1956 to reach the BNSF Railway freight yard near the Rail Yards Market at 777 1st St.

No. 2926 will depart on Oct. 1 shortly after the event for the return trip. “We are really happy that NMDOT’s leadership [New Mexico Department of Transportation] has provided us the opportunity to make these trips,” Robert explained.

New Mexico Railroad Days will headline No. 2926 with accessible cab tours for the public. Equipment from Rail Runner, BNSF, and Amtrak have also been invited to participate in the festivities. A private night photo session titled Steam at the Albuquerque Rail Yards is scheduled for that Saturday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and will be led by award-winning photographer Steve Crise.

For more information, visit the New Mexico Heritage Rail website.

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